Why is everyone growing a moustache?

The moustaches raise awareness and funds as well as helping people talk more about male health issues

You may have seen a sudden increase in students with moustache fuzz or noticed a Facebook twibbon with the word ‘Movember’ emblazoned, but what exactly is Movember?

Over the month of November, people choose to grow a moustache and in return collect donations to give to charities for men’s health. It is an annual event which raises awareness over issues such as male mental health, suicide prevention and prostate cancer. Today, men account for eight out of ten suicides and Ireland has the seventh highest rate of suicide from ages 15 to 19 in the EU. In addition, prostate cancer has become the second most common type of cancer in Ireland. It’s more important than ever to spark conversations and talk about these issues as well as to donate — even just a euro or two.

This Thursday the Trinity Halls Movember Fest will be taking place at 7pm and all students are welcome to come along. There will be free pizza for all and live music from Oscar Blue. This will be followed by some beats from Dublin Djs Apré Ski, Opium’s resident Dj, and Notions Resident Showcase’s Dj Robbie Sullivan. The JCR, Movember committee and Halls committee will be waxing their legs in the name of charity. The SU Ents Officer David Flood, Halls staff, and even the Djs will be joining them in the challenge and you can sign up to take part too. If you donate €3 you’ll be put into a raffle for a Hall Ball ticket while if you donate €5 you’ll be put into a raffle for a Trinity Ball ticket. The event will be finishing up at 9.30pm and they’ll be giving out wristbands for free entry into Dtwo all evening! It’s set to be a hilarious night while contributing to a great cause.

For those who want to get involved over the month, there are other ways if you aren’t set on growing a moustache or waxing your legs. You can instead get moving and run or walk sixty kilometres over the month. Whatever your fitness level this is a great way for everyone to get involved, and get donations towards the cause. The choice of sixty reflects the number of men who lose their lives due to suicide every hour. You can also host a ‘Mo-ment’ where you have an event whether that be a pub-quiz, dinner or party to get donations and spread some awareness.

There’s still plenty of time to cultivate those staches or host an event. You can support the cause by donating straight to the Movember Foundation charity or to the Irish Cancer Society and Pieta House. Even if you just give a small amount, it will go a long way! Most of all, let’s keep the conversation going strong and support our peers when times are tough.